What do you all look for when your buying a topwater bait?  All they all about the same or are some better than others.  What different techniques can be developed from different topwaters??

Also, when the topwaterbait isnt producing in the morning, should i switch to buzzbaits or spinnerbaits, or something else???

I usually start out with a buzzbait in the morning, then go to a topwater.  You're less likely to hang up a buzzbait than a topwater.  Pop R's and zara spooks are my two favorites.  

You've asked too general a question.  There is a topwater bait for almost every situation.  Chuggers/Poppers that make noise as they are jerked back; buzzbaits are topwater baits; stickbaits which normally are "walk the dog" back to the boat and let's not forget floating plastics-- worms and frogs, very good going across pads and thick slop.  Each can be used effectively.... it depends on the situation.  Many studies/fishing stories show that you can fish topwater all day with good results.... again it depends on what the fish want.  If you see bass breaking the surface you can pretty much count on a topwater bite... but which one you gotta expeiment and let the fish tell you what they want.